Technology is important; it allows us the opportunity to stay connected, learn new things and more. Nobody needs a constant link to technology at their fingertips 24/7, but with smartphones becoming so, let’s face it – smart and easily accessible – we have settled into just that. But do you want that for your kids? It can be difficult to decide the right time to get your child a cellphone; there are many factors to consider before giving in and getting that Family Plan.

Want or Need? With seven kids of my own I’ve experienced both sides of this coin. Some of my kids expressed a strong desire or “want” for a cellphone because all of their friends have cellphones while others of my children have expressed a “need” for one as they are involved in extra-curricular activities and events and need the easily accessible communication. A child who needs a cellphone more than wants a cellphone will be less likely to abuse their cellphone privileges.  Establishing what end of the spectrum your child is on is the first step to figuring out if they’re ready for a cellphone.

Boundaries: Giving your child a cellphone is a big responsibility as a cellphone allows your child more freedom and space. Think about other aspects of technology first. Does your child respect the boundaries or rules you set around watching TV after school, playing video games, talking on the phone, etc.? You’ll want boundaries surrounding your child’s cellphone, too. You’ll have to establish when the appropriate times to use a cellphone are, what types of apps are acceptable for download, how many texts they’re allowed to send in a day and to whom; many factors come into play when a child gets a cellphone. You’ll need to establish rules and boundaries that are clearly understood before your child even gets a cellphone.

Options are Available: Contrary to what your child is likely telling you, they don’t really have to have the latest iPhone or smartphone device. There are plenty of other options available to them, and that’s important for parents to remember. Think back to the day of the original cellphone. It just made calls. Then texting was added. These two things might be all your child needs in a cellphone. I suggest starting with the most basic cellphone device then as your child shows responsibility and independence they can earn an upgrade and so on and so forth.

Children generally love technology, and cellphones are an important means of communication. Make sure your child is ready for the responsibility and make sure you build boundaries around this new device prior to bringing one home.

Happy parenting!

Sincerely,

Daddy Nickell

Parenting Expert and father of 7, Robert Nickell (aka Daddy Nickell) offers his “5 cents” worth of advice to expectant and new parents. Daddy Nickell is the founder of Daddy & Co., delivery room duds and daddy gifts and apparel for every stage of fatherhood, and the Daily Daddy Blog. He is also the creator and producer of “My Life as a Dad,” the groundbreaking new web series that showcases celebrity fathers offering their personal experiences and parenting tips.

The post When Is the Right Time to Get Your Child a Cellphone? appeared first on AKAMom Magazine.

As you rush from store to store this holiday season, making your list and checking it twice, you may not be giving careful attention to safeguarding your cellphone. Distracted shoppers make easy targets for mischief and even simple careless losses.

Each year, the percentage of claims filed for lost or stolen cellphones increases in November, December and January, according to claims data from Asurion, a mobile protection and solutions company that partners with wireless providers around the globe. New Year’s Eve is the most dangerous holiday for phones, with an 83 percent increase in claims.

“The risk of theft increases during the holidays, and consumers need to consider a more comprehensive approach to protecting their smartphones and the valuable information on them,” said Bettie Colombo, spokesperson for Asurion. “Purchasing cellphone protection can save customers hundreds of dollars on a replacement device and reconnect them quickly to friends, family and coworkers during the holiday season.”

Technology-based tools are available that can perform a wide range of functions. These include location-based services that help you find a missing device, remotely lock it and even erase the data should a device land in the wrong hands.

To help keep your smartphone and the personal, irreplaceable information it contains safe this holiday season, keep the following tips in mind:

• Back up your content regularly, whether to your computer or through a reputable cloud service.
• Update your phone’s software regularly to ensure you are protected from the latest security vulnerabilities.
• Enable password protection, especially if your phone provides access to banking or credit accounts.
• If your phone and provider offer them, enable location-based services that will let you track down your phone if it gets lost.
• Insure your phone. The best buys are comprehensive policies that safeguard you from loss, theft, damage and malfunction.
• Avoid using your phone to log into personal accounts, such as online banking, while using an unsecured public wireless network.
• Carry your phone in a deep pocket or in a purse with a zipper or other secure closure to prevent it from slipping out while you’re busy perusing gift ideas.
• Make a habit of checking for your phone as you leave a store or location. While this won’t prevent it from getting stolen, it will narrow the search field if it goes missing.

Visit www.asurion.com for additional information on smartphone insurance and technologies to protect your information and device.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

*Family Features

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